By Jesper Koll -- The Koizumi era encouraged real economic growth with passion. But what can corporate Japan expect from its political leaders now? It’s Autumn 2008, and Japan’s Prime Minister faces a simple policy challenge: How to prevent recession in the worlds’ second largest economy? The good news is that Japan still has ample room on all policy fronts to stimulate economic growth and fend off a slump.

By Brett Bull -- Despite the hit that it has taken in recent years, pachinko remains big business for those who find their niche. A stroll around Shinjuku Station will reveal plenty of pachinkov parlors emitting noises of rapidly firing steel balls to the sound of pounding dance tunes. Such clamor is music to the ears of Ei Yoshida, president of G&E Business School—a pachinko academy to learn all there is to know about what is basically an upright pinball game.

By Ken Worsley -- Self-sufficiency based on a point system? Japan is the world’s largest net importer of food. Nearly 90 percent of wheat consumed in Japan is imported, and about 18 million tons of corn is purchased each year from the United States alone. When global food prices rise—whether due to speculation, unfavorable weather conditions or higher oil prices—Japanese firms and consumers find themselves at the mercy of external forces as price increases pinch budgets.

By Kevin Mogue -- Corporate fashion expert Kevin Mcgue navigates the minefield of necktie faux pas. October has arrived, and the lingering heat and humidity of September have gone. The “Cool Biz” season is unequivocally over, and it is time to put away the collarless shirts and bring out the jackets and ties. A nice tie, properly coordinated and tied, can bring out the best in a suit and create a lasting impression. On the other hand, a hastily selected and poorly tied one can do more damage than good. Since neckties are one of the most common areas for fashion violations, the restart of tie season is the ideal time to review the basics and separate the tie “dos” from the “don’ts.”

By Sarah Noorbakhsh -- Iconic resident of the Shinjuku skyline, the Park Hyatt Hotel is an unexpected destination for drinks in what may be one of the biggest watering holes in the city. A walk through the hotel is an experience in and of itself; marble floors and mirrored walls envelope visitors, making the walk to the elevators much like a stroll through a labyrinth.

By Hamish Macnamara -- While some of Tokyo’s “best-kept-secret” bars can be found stashed away down dark alleys and in basements, Tokyoites should occasionally turn their eyes towards the sky in search for that gem of a bar. These are prime places to get great views of the Tokyo skyline, but more often than not people head for the glitz and the glam found on the west side of the Yamanote line, in places like Shinjuku or Roppongi.

By Ken Worsley -- A slightly irreverent look at some of Japan’s biggest business stories. -- Japanese social network site Mixi moved into the Chinese market in June, and has announced intentions to roll out its website in English to target the North American and European markets. -- Mixi CEO Kenji Kasahara echoed what’s on the minds of many Japanese business leaders when he said “The Japanese market is limited. -- METI plans to provide about $1 billion to set up a fund that would work along with existing sovereign wealth funds in order to invest in ... umm ... Japanese companies. -- 13 corporations have lined up to fund a 24-hour English news network in Japan, including NTT, Itochu and Microsoft. -- Discussions are underway concerning whether Japan should adopt international accounting rules. -- The Japanese Nursing Association (JNA) is doing all it can to prevent nurses from the Philippines from setting up shop in Japan.

J@pan Inc is offering the prize of two free tickets to see Tokyo Sinfonia—Japan’s finest chamber orchestra conducted by Robert Ryker. All correctly completed entries will be entered into our prize draw.

Terrie LloydBy Terrie Lloyd -- The apparent lack of desire by Japanese youth to become entrepreneurs. -- There is much that can be done, and in fact, is being done, to encourage entrepreneurship as a career. Ranging from universities to tax breaks for venture capital, there are many changes taking place in Japanese society as the authorities start to realize they have to do something. A quick look through the METI website lists many press releases on what the government is doing to support new business owners.

From the team -- Dear Readers -- Founded by a serial entrepreneur, J@pan Inc has always related to breaking the mold and starting new ventures. It’s not surprising that foreign residents in Japan particularly have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, utilizing their experience and knowledge of other countries to look for fresh opportunities in the Japanese market.

It is therefore exciting to have our first entrepreneur special.